Sentry Of The Wildfires

Agency Battles One Of The Worst Seasons In Decades

November 10, 1996|By Alfred Borcover.

For example, NIFC specialists monitor the Automatic Lightning Detection System. Using a network of sensing equipment and direction finders scattered across 11 western states, ALDS pinpoints lightning strikes on the ground. Data received at the NIFC from 35 detectors is processed by a computer, which gives the geographic coordinates of an area hit in 10 to 30 seconds after a lightning strike. When an area is being pounded by lightning strikes, an observer can check with the closest weather station to see if the lightning activity is accompanied by rain or if it's dry as well as the types of fuels (dry timber or underbrush) on the ground.

The Remote Automatic Weather System building supports a network of independent, solar-powered weather stations throughout the West and Alaska. Among the BLM, Forest Service and other agencies, about 1,000 weather stations measure precipitation, wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and fuel temperature and dump the data into a mainframe computer. The information helps fire managers to predict the severity of a fire season.

The most intriguing of the NIFC operations is the Forest Service's infrared mapping unit. Using sophisticated cameras and scanners in one of three aircraft, infrared technicians fly missions to detect fires as small as 8 inches in diameter from 15,000 feet and to map vast areas quickly. From 150 feet off the ground, the specialists can use drop tubes to supply information to ground interpreters who help fire managers.

As this fire season winds down, the remarkable NIFC remains alert to assist in other natural disaster that may occur. And then there's another fire season.